Scan area indication

ABSTRACT

An apparatus may include a transparent platen, a command interface, a scanner unit, a controller and an indicator. The command interface is to receive externally originating instructions including a selected scaling value, other than  100 %, for a scanning operation of a document resting against the transparent platen, wherein contents of the document to be scanned are proportionally magnified or shrunk based on the selected scaling value The controller controls a scanner unit to capture a portion of the transparent platen, the portion having borders automatically determined and proportionally changed by the controller based upon the selected scaling value. The indicator provides a visible indication of the portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation application claiming priorityunder 35 USC §120 from co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/669,116 filed on Jan. 30, 2007 by Jeffrey D. Hall and entitled SCANAREA INDICATION, the full disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND

Flatbed scanners are sometimes used to make differently scaled copies ofportions of one or more original documents. Appropriately positioningthe document(s) on the scanner bed to scan the correct portion(s) of thedocument(s) may be difficult.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a sectional view schematically illustrating a scanneraccording to an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of portions of the scanner of FIG. 1 accordingto an example embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a scanning method according to anexample embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of portions of another embodiment ofthe scanner of FIG. 1 according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a scanner unit and the scan area indicatorof the scanner of FIG. 4 according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an end view of the scanner unit of FIG. 6 taken along line 6-6with portions schematically illustrated according to an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view schematically illustrating another embodimentof the scanner of FIG. 1 according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

FIGS. 1 and 2 schematically illustrate scanner 20 according to oneexample embodiment. FIG. 1 is a sectional view of scanner 20 in a closedstate. FIG. 2 illustrates a top of scanner 20 in an open and documentreceiving state. Scanner 20 is configured to scan or capture information(one or more images) upon a face 22 of a document 24. As will bedescribed in more detail hereafter, based upon a current or selectedscaling value for a forthcoming scan of document 24, scanner 20indicates a scan area to assist in proper positioning of document 24.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “scan area” refers to anactual area of face 22 which will be captured by scanner unit 42 andeither copied onto another medium or stored as an electronic document.Dimensions of the scan area will vary depending upon a selected scaling.For example, if images (text, graphics, photos and the like) of document24 are to be enlarged (a scaling of greater than 100%), a smallerportion of the original document 24 will be scanned. Likewise, if imageson document 24 are to be reduced, a greater portion of document 24 willbe scanned. In certain circumstances, the area being scanned may begreater than the entire area of document 24.

Scanner 20 provides a visual cue to a person as to how to properlyposition document 24 on scanner 20. This visual cue facilitates properpositioning of document 24 on scanner 20 by a person such thatappropriate portions of document 24 are scanned and enlarged or reduced.This visual cue may further assist a person in fully utilizing availablespace in the scaled copy of document 24. For example, in the case of areduction, the scan area may be larger than document 24. In certaincircumstances, this additional excess scanning area may be used to scanadditional information from additional documents positioned adjacent todocument 24 for scanning.

Scanner 20 includes scanner bed 30, lid 32 and sensor 33. Scanner bed 30contains scanner elements and is configured to support document 24.Scanner bed 30 includes platen 36, platen frame 38, guide 40, scannerunit 42, actuator 44, scan area indicator 45, scan area indicator 46,command interface 48, and controller 50. Platen 36 comprises astructure, and configured to support document 24 while light, such asvisible light, is transmitted through platen 36. Platen 36 serves as awindow through which images or information from document 24 arecaptured. Platen 36 is formed from a transparent material, such as glassor a transparent polymer. In the particular embodiment illustrated,platen 36 provides a generally horizontal surface upon which document 24may rest as it is being scanned. In other embodiments, platen 36 mayalternatively be supported in a vertical or inclined orientation.

Platen frame 38 comprises a bezel structure and projecting above theplaten 36 adjacent to platen 36. Platen frame 38 is configured toindicate to a person proper placement of a document upon platen 36. Inparticular, platen frame 38 forms a pair of raised surfaces 52, 53 whichextend substantially perpendicular to one another so as to form anorigin corner 54 adjacent to platen 36 against which a corner of adocument to be scanned may be positioned for image capture.

In the particular example illustrated, platen frame 38 continuouslyextends about and surrounds platen 36 and projects above platen 36 tomate with lid 32 so as to inhibit entry of stray or environmental lightonto platen 36. In other embodiments, platen frame 38 may alternativelyextend just in corner 54 rather than entirely about platen 36. In stillother embodiments, platen frame 38 may include a plurality of spacedprojecting tabs or other surfaces extending about platen 36 at selectedlocations about platen 36. Although platen frame 38 is illustrated asbeing generally rectangular, in other embodiments, platen frame 38 maybe square or have other shapes.

As shown in FIG. 2, platen frame 38 includes windows 56. Windows 56extend through platen frame 38 along at least one side of platen 36 inthe Y-axis direction. Windows 56 transmit light. In one embodimentwindows 56 may include one or more overlaying light transmittingmaterials which may or may not be color filters. In another embodiment,windows 56 may be devoid of any materials. As illustrated in FIG. 2,windows 56 are spaced along the platen 36. As will be described indetail hereafter, windows 56 permit scanner 20 to operate in one scanarea indicating mode in which light is transmitted through windows 56 toindicate a dimension of a scan area. In embodiments where thisparticular mode is not provided, windows 56 may be omitted.

Guide 40 comprises one or more structures configured to guide movementof scanner unit 42 along an axis 58 relative to platen 36. In oneembodiment, guide 40 comprises an elongate substantially rigid rod,wherein scanner unit 42 slides along the rod. In another embodiment,guide 40 may comprise one of a grooved or channel and a projection,wherein scanner unit 42 includes the other of the channel in theprojection, facilitating sliding of scanner unit 42 along guide 40. Inother embodiments, other structures may be employed for movablysupporting scanner unit 42.

Scanner unit 42 comprises a component or element configured to captureor sense images (text, graphics and the like), upon a face of a sheet ofmedia through platen 36. Scanner unit 42 includes scanner carriage 62,light source 64 and detector 66. Scanner carriage 62 comprises one ormore structures forming a body which is movably supported along guide40. Carriage 62 is further configured to support and carry detector 66and light source 64 during movement relative to platen 36.

Light source 64 comprises one or more sources of light and associatedoptics, if any, configured to direct light on to face 22 of document 24.In one embodiment, light source 64 includes a lamp. In anotherembodiment, light source 64 may comprise other sources for emitting anddirecting visible light.

Detector 66 comprises one or more sensing devices and associated opticswhich are configured to sense light emitted by light source 64 andreflected off face 22. Such light reflected off of face 22 of document24 will vary depending upon printing, text or other images upon face 22.Detector 66 senses such variations in light and generates electricalsignals which represent the variations in light and the images upon face22. These electrical signals are transmitted to processor 88 and used byprocessor 88 to form an electronic image or copy of the image upon face22.

As shown by FIG. 2, in one embodiment, scanner unit 42 extendssubstantially across platen 36 in the X-axis direction. In such anembodiment, each of carriage 62, a light source 64 and detector 66 spanplaten 36 in the X-axis direction. In the particular embodimentillustrated, scanner unit 42 additionally extends beyond platen 36 andat least portions of platen frame 38 as indicated in FIG. 2. In otherembodiments, scanner unit 42 may have other lengths. Scanner unit 42 maybe configured to capture images from face 22 in a single pass acrossdocument 24 in the Y-axis direction or in multiple passes.

Actuator 44 comprises a mechanism configured to linearly move scannerunit 42 along an axis 58. In particular, actuator 44 translates scannerunit 42 across platen 36 so as to scan images from document 24. In oneembodiment, actuator 44 includes a motor (not shown) which drives thebelt (not shown) that is secured to scanner unit 42. In otherembodiments, actuator 44 may comprise other devices for translatingscanner unit 42.

Scan area indicator 45 comprises an indicator that is carried bycarriage 62 of scanner unit 42 and that is configured to indicate to aperson at least one dimension of a determined scan area of an upcomingscan of document 24. In the example embodiment illustrated, indicator 45comprises another light source distinct from light source 64 andconfigured to direct light in the direction indicated by arrow 70. Inthe particular embodiment illustrated, indicator 45 is configured tooperate in three distinct scan area indicating modes: (1) a spot mode,(2) a line mode and (3) a window mode. In other embodiments, indicator45 may alternatively operate in one or two of the noted modes or inadditional modes.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example scan area 74 based upon a particularselected scaling of the document 24 being scanned. FIG. 2 furtherillustrates indicator 45 operating in each of the three modes. In thefirst spot mode, indicator 45 directs light upon platen 36 so as to forma single spot 72 of light upon platen 36. Spot 72 is located at oradjacent to a corner of scan area 74. The X-axis position of spot 72 isattained by appropriately positioning carriage 62 in the X-axisdirection with actuator 44. The Y-axis position of spot 72 is attainedby either selectively actuating one of a plurality of light emittingelements arranged in a row or by moving a light emitting element oroptics associated with the light emitting element. For example, in oneembodiment, indicator 45 may include a light emitting diode (not shown)supported upon a movable support (not shown), wherein the support ismoved by an actuator such as a voice coil (not shown). Even though suchmovement may be small, the displacement of spot 72 resulting from suchmovement may be increased through appropriate optics.

In the second line mode, the same spot 72 is formed. However, inaddition, indicator 45 further forms a continuous or broken line 76 oflight extending from spot 72 in the X-axis direction. As in the spotmode, spot 72, now located at a terminal point of line 76, indicatesboth a length and a width of scan area 74. Line 76 provides a morevisible indication for the leftward most boundary or edge of scan area74 as seen FIG. 2. Line 76 may be formed by appropriately focusing ormodifying light from a single light emitting element so as to form aline of light, by rapidly moving a point of light to form a line or byactuating a plurality of distinct light emitting elements arranged in arow or line.

In the third window mode, indicator 45 directs light through one ofwindows 56. The particular window 56 through which light is transmittedis selected by appropriately positioning carriage 62 in the Y-axisdirection. The particular window 56 through which light is transmittedcorresponds to the leftward most edge or boundary of scan area 74 in theY-axis direction. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the Y-axisdimension of scan area 74 is indicated by the transmission of lightthrough the particular window 77. In this third window mode, the top orupper bound or edge of scan area 74 is indicated by indicator 46.

Because scan area indicator 45 is carried by scanner carriage 62 ofscanner unit 42, indicator 45 may be moved with carriage 62 to aposition to indicate at least one dimension of the scan area. As aresult, the scan area may be indicated using the same actuator 44 whichis used to move scanner unit 42 during scanning. A separate actuator formoving scan area indicator 45 to indicate different scan area dimensionswith different selected scaling may be omitted. Thus, the scan areaindication feature may be provided at a reduced cost and withoutsubstantially increasing complexity of scanner 20.

Although scan area indicator 45 is illustrated as utilizing light fromone or more light emitting elements distinct from light source 64 toindicate a scan area prior to scanning, in other embodiments, indicator45 may alternatively be configured to utilize light provided by lightsource 64 through the use of appropriate optics channeling and directingsuch light to form a distinct illumination on platen 36. In yet otherembodiments, scan area indicator 45 may alternatively comprise a visiblemark, shape or other visual cue formed upon, mounted to or otherwisecarried by scanner carriage 62. For example, scanner carriage 62 mayalternatively include a visible mark or groove along a surface 86 thatfaces platen 36 and which is sufficiently large so as to be visiblethrough platen 36. In some embodiments, this visible mark or groove maybe used in combination with one or more light sources indicate one ormore dimensions of the scan area.

Indicator 46 cooperates with indicator 45 in the third mode to indicatethe length and width dimensions of a scan area, such as scan area 74. Inparticular, indicator 46 indicates a dimension of the scan area in theX-axis direction. In the example illustrated, indicator 46 includeswindows 80 and light sources 82. Windows 80 comprise openings throughplaten frame 38 and extend along platen frame 38 in the X-axisdirection. In one embodiment, windows 80 may include a lighttransmitting material. In another embodiment, windows 80 may be devoidof any material. In particular embodiments, windows 80 may alternativelycomprise an elongated single opening or windows 80 may be omitted.

Light sources 82 comprise one or more light emitting elements disposedbelow platen frame 38. Light sources 82 are configured to be selectivelylit so as to indicate a dimension of a scan area in the X-axisdirection. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the X-axis dimension ofscan area 74 is indicated by lighting the particular light source 82opposite to window 83. In one embodiment, each of windows 80 betweenwindow 83 extending up to window 83 may additionally be lit. In oneembodiment, light sources 82 they comprise a plurality of light emittingdiodes. In other embodiments, other light emitting elements may beemployed. In embodiments where scanner 20 does not include the thirdmode or merely indicates a dimension of the scan area in the Y-axisdirection, indicator 46 may be omitted.

Command interface 48 comprises an interface for scanner 20 by whichexternally originating instructions or commands may be provided tocontroller 50. In one embodiment, command interface 48 is configured topermit input of commands from a person operating scanner 20. Forexample, in one embodiment, interface 48 may comprise a keyboard,keypad, touchpad, touch screen, mouse, button, switch, slide, lever ormicrophone with the appropriate voice recognition or speech recognitionsoftware. In other embodiments, interface 48 may be configured to permitinput of control signals from an external electronic device such as anexternal computer or from a network or an internet connected to otherexternal electronic devices.

Controller 50 comprises one or more processing units 88 and associatedmemories 90 configured to generate control signals directing theoperation of actuator 44 and scanner unit 42. In the particularembodiment illustrated, controller 50 further generates an electronicimage using information from document 24 that is captured by unit 42. Inone embodiment, controller 50 further controls scanner unit 42 such thatthe image captured from a document, such as document 24, is scaled(i.e., an enlarged or reduced). For purposes of this application, theterm “processing unit” shall mean a presently developed or futuredeveloped processing unit that executes sequences of instructionscontained in a memory, for example, memory 90. Execution of thesequences of instructions causes the processing unit to perform stepssuch as generating control signals and processing data. The instructionsmay be loaded in a random access memory (RAM) for execution by theprocessing unit from a read only memory (ROM), a mass storage device, orsome other persistent storage. In other embodiments, hard wiredcircuitry may be used in place of or in combination with softwareinstructions to implement the functions described. For example,processor 88 may be embodied as part of one or more application-specificintegrated circuits (ASICs). Unless otherwise specifically noted, thecontroller is not limited to any specific combination of hardwarecircuitry and software, nor to any particular source for theinstructions executed by the processing unit.

Memory 90 comprises a form of persistent storage configured to store andcontain instructions for processor 88. Memory 90 is further configuredto at least temporarily store digital or electronic files representingimages sensed from the one or more sheets of media. In otherembodiments, memory 90 may alternatively simply contain instructions forprocessor 88, wherein captured images are stored on other memory.

Lid 32 comprises a covering configured to extend over and across platen36 to inhibit entry of the stray or environmental light during scanning.In particular embodiments, lid 32 may include additional component suchas input or output trays and document feeders. In one embodiment, lid 32is hinged to bed 30. In other embodiments, lid 32 may be movablyconnected to bed 30 in other fashions.

Sensor 33 comprises a sensing device configured to detect whether lid 32is in an open or closed state with respect to bed 30. Based upon suchsignals from sensor 33 indicating whether lid 32 is opened or closed,controller 50 may initiate generation of control signals causing thedimensions of a scan area to be indicated. In other embodiments,controller 50 may additionally or alternatively be configured toinitiate the indication of such scan areas in response to a scan areaindication command received via command interface 48. Although sensor 33is illustrated as being incorporated into bed 30, in other embodiments,sensor 33 may alternatively be incorporated into lid 32. In yet otherembodiments, sensor 33 may be omitted.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating one example of a method 100 bywhich scanner 20 may operate. As indicated by step 102, upon powering ascanner 20, controller 50 determines a current scan area based upon acurrent selected scaling value. Such a value may constitute a previouslyentered scaling value or may constitute a default scaling value. Such avalue may be 100%, maybe an enlargement (greater than 100%) or maybe areduction (less than 100%). FIG. 2 illustrates one example scan area 74.

As indicated by step 104, controller 50 determines whether lid 32 isopened or closed. In the embodied illustrated, controller 50 determinesthe state of lid 32 based upon signals received from sensor 33. Asindicated by arrow 105, if the lid is closed, method 100 proceedsdirectly to step 112.

As indicated by step 106, if lid 32 is open, controller 50 generatescontrol signals such that the scan area is indicated. In particular,controller 50 determines whether carriage 62 is appropriately positionwith respect to platen 36 such that indicator 45 will indicate thedimension of scan area 74 in the Y-axis direction. As indicated by step108, if carriage 62 is not properly positioned, controller 50 generatescontrol signals causing actuator 44 to move carriage 62 of scanner unit42. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, carriage 62 is moved toposition 93 shown in FIG. 2.

As indicated by step 110, once carriage 62 is properly positioned alongaxis 58, controller 50 generates control signals causing indicator 45 toindicate at least one dimension of the determined scan area 74. Suchcontrol signals will be based at least in part upon a selectedindication mode. This indication mode may comprise a default indicationmode or may comprise a selected indication mode received via commandinterface 48. As noted above, if the spot indication mode is selected,controller 50 generates control signals causing a single spot 72 (shownin FIG. 2) to be illuminated upon platen 36, wherein the same spotindicates a corner of scan area 74. If the line indication mode isselected, controller 50 generates control signals causing spot 72 to beformed and additionally causing line 76 to be illuminated upon platen36. If the window mode is selected, controller 50 generates controlsignals causing indicator 43 to direct light through an opposite one ofwindows 56 and platen frame 38. At the same time, controller 50 maygenerate control signals causing a selected one of a plurality of lightsources 82 to direct light through one or more windows 80. In someembodiments, the windows mode may be performed concurrently with eitherthe spot mode or the line mode. In yet other embodiments, the windowmode may not be available.

As indicated by step 112, controller 50 determines whether a scancommand has been received via command interface 48. As indicated by step114, if a scan command has received, the one or more document restingupon platen 36 are scanned using the current or existing scaling value.In particular, controller 50 generates control signals such that scannerunit 42 is moved across his sufficient extent of document 24 in theY-axis direction. As scanning unit 42 is being moved across document 24,controller 50 generates control signals directing light source 64 toemit light towards document 24 and directing sensor 66 to receive andsense such reflected light as schematically illustrated by arrow 115(shown in FIG. 1).

As indicated by step 114, if a scan command has not been received,controller 50 determines whether a new scaling value has been enteredvia command interface 48. As indicated by arrow 115, if a new scalingvalue has not been received, process steps 104-112 are repeated suchthat indication of the present scan area is continued. As indicated byarrow 116, if a new scaling value has been received, steps 102-112 arerepeated using a new determined scan area per step 102.

FIG. 2 illustrates such a scenario where a user inputs a new scalingvalue via command interface 48. In step 102, controller 50 determinesthe new scan area 94. In the particular example illustrated, the scalingvalue is reduced. As a result, scan area 94 is larger than scan area 74.In response to lid 32 being opened, as determined by controller 50 instep 104, controller 50 determines whether carriage 62 is a properlypositioned based upon the new scan area 94. If not, controller 50generates control signals causing actuator 44 to move scanner unit 42 toposition 95 shown in FIG. 2. As indicated in step 110 and FIG. 3,controller 50 proceeds with generating control signals such thatindicator 43 indicates dimensions of the new scan area 94 using one ormore of the selected indication modes.

In the example illustrated, in the spot mode, controller 50 generatescontrol signals such that indicator 43 forms illumination spot 96instead of illumination spot 72. In the line mode, controller 50 furthergenerates control signals causing line 97 to be formed instead of line76. In the window indication mode, controller 50 causes windows 98 and99 to be illuminated instead of windows 77 and 83, respectively. Persteps 112 and 114, once a scan command is received via command interface48, controller 50 generates control signals causing scanner unit 42 toscan the document and form an electronic or physical copy using the newscaling value.

FIGS. 4-6 illustrate scanner 120, another embodiment of scanner 20.Scanner 120 includes bed 130, lid 32 and sensor 33. Lid 32 and sensor 33are illustrated and described above with respect to scanner 20. Scannerbed 130 supports a document to be scanned and contains components ofscanner 120. Scanner bed 130 includes, platen 136, platen frame 138,guide 40, scanner unit 142, actuator 44, scan area indicator 145 (shownin FIG. 6), command interface 48, and controller 50. Guide 40, actuator44, command interface 48, and controller 50 are schematicallyillustrated and described above with respect to scanner 20 in FIGS. 1and 2.

Platen 136 and platen frame 138 are shown in FIG. 4. Platen 136 issimilar to housing platen 36 described above with respect to scanner 20.Platen frame 138 is similar to platen frame 38 except that platen frame138 omits windows 56. In embodiments where scanner 120 is configured toprovide the windows mode as described above, platen frame 138 mayadditionally include such windows 56 (shown in FIG. 2). For ease ofillustration, those components of platen 136 and platen frame 138 whichcorrespond to components of platen 36 and platen frame 38, respectively,are numbered similarly.

Scanner unit 142 and scan area indicator 145 are shown in FIG. 5 whichis a sectional view through scanner unit 142. Scanner unit 142 includescarriage 162, a light source 164 and detector 166. Carriage 162comprises a body or framework movably supported along guide 40 (shown inFIG. 1) and configured to support and carry light source 164 anddetector 166. Carriage 162 further supports and carries scan areaindicator 145. As shown by FIG. 5, carriage 162 has a width extending inthe Y-axis direction and an elongated length extending in the X-axisdirection. Carriage 162 includes an opening 171 extending in the X-axisdirection. Opening 171 forms a cavity for receiving a mounting lightsource 164. Opening 171 further permits light emitted by light source164 and reflected off of one or more document resting upon platen 136(shown in FIG. 4) to pass through and be directed by detector 166. Inother embodiments, carriage 162 may have other configurations.

Light source 164 comprises a device configured to emit light in anupward direction towards platen 136 in FIG. 4. Light source 164 isconfigured direct light across substantially an entire X-axis dimensionof platen 136. In the embodiment illustrated, light source 164 comprisesa visible light emitting lamp. In other embodiments, light source 164may comprise one or more other light emitting elements.

Detector 166 is configured to receive light reflected from a documentresting upon platen 136 through opening 171 of carriage 162 and togenerate electrical signals based upon the reflected light. Detector 166includes optics 173 and sensor 175. Optics 173 comprise a variety ofoptical elements (mirrors or lenses) configured to modify and directreflected light so to a properly focus the reflected light upon sensor175 (shown in FIG. 6). Optics 173 forms a light path 172 which extendsfrom opening 171 to sensor 175. In the example illustrated, optics 173includes mirrors 176, 177, 179, 181 and 183, and lens 185. In otherembodiments, light path 172 may have other configurations and may beformed from additional or alternative optical elements.

FIG. 6 is a view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5 and schematicallyillustrates sensor 175. Sensor 175 receives reflected light transmittedalong light path 172 and generates electrical signals representingcharacteristics of the reflected light. Such signals are used bycontroller 50 (shown in FIG. 1) to form a scaled copy of at leastportions of the document resting upon platen 136 (shown in FIG. 4). Inthe particular example illustrated, sensor 175 includes a circuit board190 which supports one or more charge coupled devices configured to beimpinged by the reflected light and to generate different electricalsignals based upon characteristics of the reflected light. In otherembodiments, sensor 175 may comprise other forms of light sensingdevices.

Scan area indicator 145 comprises a device configured to visiblyindicate to a person at least one dimension of a scan area based upon aselected scaling value. In the particular example illustrated, scan areaindicator 145 is configured to indicate both a width and a length of thescan area. In the particular example illustrated, scan area indicator145 is configured to illuminate selected defined portions of platen 136to indicate the scan area, wherein the illuminated portions haverelatively short or defined edges or boundaries discernible from unlitportions of platen 136.

In the particular example illustrated, scan area indicator 145 includeslight source 200 and actuator 202. Light source 200 is configured toemit a generally non-diffuse visible light in a selected direction. Inthe example illustrated, light source 200 includes light emitting diode204 and a light pipe 206. In other embodiments, light source 200 mayinclude more than one light emitting diode may include other optics fordirecting such light.

Actuator 202 is configured to move light source 200 to a sufficientdegree or distance so as to appropriately position the illuminated spotor line upon platen 136 to indicate various scan areas corresponding tovarious selected scaling values. In the particular embodimentsillustrated, actuator 202 includes a movably supported platform or base210 and a drive member 12. Base 210 comprises a platform supportinglight source 200. Base 210 is movably coupled to board 190 by one ormore flexible legs (not shown).

Drive member 212 comprises a mechanism configured to move base 210 whichalso results in movement of a light source 200. In one embodiment, drivemember 212 comprises a voice coil. In one embodiment, drive member 212is configured to move base 210 and hold base 210 at various selectedstationary positions which correspond to various stationary locations ofthe illuminated spot upon platen 136 corresponding to a quarter of ascan area. In another embodiment, drive member 212 may be configured toreciprocate base 210 at relatively high frequency such that light source200 illuminate the visible line upon platen 136 representing a boundaryof the scan area. In other embodiments, other mechanisms may be used formoving light source 200.

Because scan area indicator 145 is provided by relatively few componentsand is mounted upon an existing circuit board 190 and because indicator145 utilizes the existing optics of detector 166, scanner 120 may bemodified to additionally include a scan area indicator 145 withoutadding substantial complexity or cost. In other embodiments, scan areaindicator 145 they alternatively use other optics and maybe mounted onother structures.

As shown in FIG. 4, once the scan area has been determined based upon aselected scaling value, actuator 44 (shown in FIG. 1) moves scanningunit 142 to an appropriate position opposite the platen 136. Controller50 (shown in FIG. 1) generates control signals causing light source 200(shown in FIG. 6) to emit light. Controller 50 further generates controlsignals causing drive member 212 to move and position base 210 such thatthe light from light source 200 is appropriately directed along lightpath 172 as shown in FIG. 5 to form and appropriately locatedillumination 214 on platen 136. In the example shown in FIG. 4,illumination 214 comprises a line having a terminal end or spot 216corresponding to a corner of the scan area. In other embodiments, scanarea indicator 145 may alternatively be configured to form illuminationspot 216 without the rest of line 214. Like scanner 20, scanner 120 may,in some embodiments, operate according to the method 100 shown anddescribed with respect to FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates scanner 220, another embodiment ofscanner 20. Like scanners 20 and 120, scanner 220 moves a carriage toreposition a visible indication of at least one dimension of a scan areaprovided by a scan area indicator. However, in scanner 220, the scanarea indicator is not carried by the carriage. Rather, the positioningof the visible indication provided by the scan area indicator is movedby moving the carriage which moves a mirror that is carried by thecarriage and that reflects the visible indication onto the platen.

As shown by FIG. 7, scanner 220 includes platen 136, guide 240, carriage262, actuator 263, light source 264, mirror 267, guide 269, mirrors 271and 272, actuator 273, lens 285 sensor 275, scan area indicator 145 andcontroller 350. Platen 136 is described above with respect to scanner120. The platen 136 comprises a transparent panel configured to supportdocuments as they are being scanned.

Guide 240 is similar to guide 40. Guide 240 is configured to guidemovement of the carriage 262 opposite to and across platen 236 duringscanning As noted above, in one embodiment, guide 240 may comprise a rodalong which carriage 262 slides. In other embodiments, guide 240 maycomprise one of a grooved or channel and a projection, wherein carriage262 includes the other of the channel in the projection, facilitatingsliding of carriage 262 along guide 240. In other embodiments, otherstructures may be employed for movably supporting carriage 262.

Carriage 262 comprises one or more structures configured to carry lightsource 265 and mirror 267 opposite to and across platen 236. Carriage262 is movably supported by guide 240. Carriage 262 may have a varietyof different sizes, shapes and configurations.

Actuator 263 comprises a mechanism configured to linearly move carriage262 along an axis 258. In particular, actuator 263 translates carriage262 across platen 236 so as to move light source 265 and mirror 267 toscan images from a document. In one embodiment, actuator 263 includes amotor (not shown) which drives the belt (not shown) that is secured tocarriage 262. In other embodiments, actuator 263 may comprise otherdevices for translating carriage 262.

Light source 264 is similar to light source 64 (shown and described withrespect to FIG. 1). Light source 264 comprises one or more sources oflight and associated optics, if any, configured to direct light on toface of a document resting upon platen 236. In one embodiment, lightsource 264 includes a lamp. In another embodiment, light source 264 maycomprise other sources for omitting and directing visible light.

Mirror 267 is coupled to and carried by carriage 262. As shown with thebroken lines 360 representing the visible light path, mirror 267 isconfigured to cooperate with mirror 271 to focus light reflected from adocument resting upon platen 236 on to detector 266. In the embodimentillustrated, mirror 267 is further configured to reflect a visibleindication of at least one dimension of a scan area provided by scanarea indicator 145 onto platen 236.

Guide 269 comprises one or more structures configured to guide linearmovement or translation of mirror 271 along an axis 259. Axis 259extends substantially parallel to axis 258. In one embodiment, guide 269may comprise a rod along which mirror 271, and a supporting structure351 slide. In other embodiments, guide 269 may have otherconfigurations. In still other embodiments, guide 269 may be omittedwhere movement of mirror 271 is also guided along guide 240.

Mirrors 271 and 272 are configured to cooperate with mirror 267 todirect light reflected from a document resting upon platen 236 towardsdetector 266 along light path 360. In addition, mirrors 271 and 272 areconfigured to reflect and direct the visible indication provided by scanarea indicator 145 onto platen 236.

Actuator 273 comprise a mechanism configured to linearly translatemirrors 271 and 272 along guide 261 and along axis 259. In oneembodiment, actuator 273 includes a motor (not shown) which drives thebelt (not shown) that is secured to mirrors 271 and 272. In otherembodiments, actuator 273 may comprise other devices for translatingmirrors 271 and 272. To maintain proper focusing of light onto detector266, mirrors 271 and 272 are moved at a different speed and a differentextent as compared to movement of carriage 262 and mirror 267. Forexample, in one embodiment, actuator 273 may be configured to movemirrors 271 and 272 at approximately one half the speed at which mirror267 is moved by actuator 263 during scanning. In other embodiments, thisspeed difference may vary. Although scanner 220 is shown as includingtwo such minors 271 and 272, in other embodiments, scanner 220 mayinclude a single minor in place of minors 271 and 272 or greater thantwo such mirrors.

Although scanner 220 is illustrated as including distinct actuators 263and 273 for moving carriage 262 and mirror 271, respectively, in otherembodiments, linear translation of carriage 262 and minor 271 mayalternatively be performed with a single actuator. For example, in oneembodiment, single actuator may be operably coupled to carriage 262 andmirror 271 by separate drive trains, such as distinct gear trains, whichresults in carriage 262 and minor 271 being driven at distinctproportional speeds.

Lens 285 comprises a lens configured to focus light reflected from minor271 onto detector 266. Likewise, lens 285 further transmits the visibleindication of a scan area provided by scan area indicator 145 onto minor271. In other embodiments, other optical components may be used in lieuof lens 285.

Sensor 275 is similar to sensor 175 of scanner 120 except that sensor275 is not carried by a carriage but is stationarily supported by ahousing or frame of scanner 220. Sensor 275 receives reflected lighttransmitted along light path 360 and generates electrical signalsrepresenting characteristics of the reflected light. Such signals areused by controller 350 to form a scaled copy of at least portions of thedocument resting upon platen 236 In the particular example illustrated,sensor 275 includes circuit board 190 which supports one or more chargecoupled devices configured to be impinged by the reflected light and togenerate different electrical signals based upon characteristics of thereflected light. In other embodiments, sensor 275 may comprise otherforms of light sensing devices.

Scan area indicator 145 is supported upon circuit board 190 and issubstantially similar to scan area indicator 145 of scanner 120 as shownin FIG. 6. Controller 350 comprises one or more processing unitsconfigure to generate control signals directing actuators 263 and 273 tocoordinate movement of carriage numeral to 62 and mirror 271 duringscanning. In particular embodiments, controller 350 may further generatecontrol signals directing operation of detector 275 and scan areaindicator 145. In particular embodiments, controller 350 mayadditionally manipulate data signals received from sensor or 275 to forman electronic image of the scanned document.

In operation, once the scan area has been determined based upon aselected scaling value prior to scanning, actuators 263 and 273 movecarriage 262 and mirror 271 to an appropriate position opposite theplaten 136. Controller 350 generates control signals causing lightsource 200 (shown in FIG. 6) to emit light. Controller 350 furthergenerates control signals causing drive member 212 to move and positionbase 210 such that the light from light source 200 is appropriatelydirected along light path in the 360 as shown in FIG. 5 to form andappropriately located illumination or visible indication on platen 136indicating at least one dimension of the determined scan area. In oneembodiment comes as visible indication may comprise an illuminated spot.In another embodiment, the visible indication may comprise anilluminated line. Like scanner 20, scanner 220 may, in some embodiments,operate according to the method 100 shown and described with respect toFIG. 3.

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference toexample implementations, workers skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the claimed subject matter. For example, although differentexample implementations may have been described as including one or morefeatures providing one or more benefits, it is contemplated that thedescribed features may be interchanged with one another or alternativelybe combined with one another in the described example implementations orin other alternative implementations. Because the technology of thepresent disclosure is relatively complex, not all changes in thetechnology are foreseeable. The present disclosure described withreference to the example implementations and set forth in the followingclaims is manifestly intended to be as broad as possible. For example,unless specifically otherwise noted, the claims reciting a singleparticular element also encompass a plurality of such particularelements.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a transparent platen; acommand interface configured to receive externally originatinginstructions including a selected scaling value, other than 100%, for ascanning operation of a document resting against the transparent platen,wherein contents of the document to be scanned are proportionallymagnified or shrunk based on the selected scaling value and wherein theselected scaling value impacts an area of the transparent platen thatwill be captured during the scanning operation; a scanner unitcomprising a carriage movable across the platen; a controller to controlthe scanner unit to capture a portion of the transparent platen, theportion having borders automatically determined and proportionallychanged by the controller based upon the selected scaling value; and anindicator providing a visible indication of the portion, whereinmovement of the carriage repositions the visible indication, wherein thevisible indication of the scan area provided by the indicator on thecarriage indicates a width of the portion.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the indicator and the carriage are stationary when providing thevisible indication of the portion and wherein the scan area indicated bythe indicator is less than a total area of the platen, wherein thecarriage is longitudinally movable across the platen in a firstdirection, wherein the indicator is carried by the carriage to move withthe carriage, wherein the platen has a transverse width in a seconddirection perpendicular to the first direction, the width of the portionbeing less than the transverse width of the platen.
 3. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the indicator comprises a first light source.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 3, wherein the first light source is configured toilluminate at least one distinct portion of the platen indicating atleast one dimension of the portion.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, whereinthe first light source is configured to illuminate a spot on a topsurface of the platen, the spot indicating the at least one dimension ofthe portion.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein a light source isconfigured to illuminate a continuous or discontinuous line at leastpartially across the platen indicating at least one dimension of theportion.
 7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the light source comprisesat least one light emitting diode.
 8. The apparatus of claim 4 furthercomprising an actuator to move the carriage across the platen duringscanning of the document in response to receipt of a scan command,wherein the first light source that indicates at least one dimension ofthe portion is carried by the carriage.
 9. The apparatus of claim 4further comprising a second light source carried by the carriage, thesecond light source comprising a lamp.
 10. The apparatus of claim 4further comprising a charge coupled device circuit board, wherein thefirst light source is on the board.
 11. The apparatus of claim 3,wherein the light source is below a bottom of the platen and directslight through the bottom of the platen towards a top of the platen. 12.The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a lid; a sensor configuredto sense opening and closing of the lid with respect to the platen,wherein the controller is to generate control signals in response toopening of the lid, the control signals activating the indicator. 13.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the indicator is to indicate both awidth and a length of the portion.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe carriage is longitudinally movable across the platen, wherein theindicator is carried by the carriage, wherein the platen has atransverse width and wherein the visible indication of the portionprovided by indicator on the carriage indicates a width of the portionthat is less than the transverse width of the platen.
 15. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the indicator and the carriage are stationary whenproviding the visible indication of the portion and wherein the portionindicated by the indicator is less than a total area of the platen. 16.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the visible indication of the portionmoves with movement of the carriage, wherein the command interface isconfigured to receive a scan command to initiate scanning of thedocument and wherein the apparatus further comprises an actuator to movethe carriage to reposition the visible indication to indicate theportion prior to receipt of the scan command and to move the carriageduring scanning of the document after receiving the scan command. 17.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the scan unit comprises an actuator tomove the carriage during scanning of the document in response to receiptof a scan command.
 18. A method comprising: determining what portion ofthe transparent platen will be captured during a scanning operationbased upon a selected scaling value to proportionally magnify or shrinkcaptured contents of a document during a scanning operation, wherein theselected scaling value impacts an area of the transparent platen thatwill be captured during the scanning operation; and moving a scannercarriage to a position to indicate at least one dimension of thedetermined portion prior to receipt of a scan command initiating thescanning operation.
 19. The method of claim 18 further comprising movingthe carriage during scanning of the document after receipt of the scancommand, wherein the indication of the at least one dimension of thedetermined scan area prior to receipt of the scan command is by formingan illumination with a light source carried by the carriage.
 20. Themethod of claim 19, wherein the illumination is formed on a transparentplaten from a light source below a bottom of the transparent platen thatdirects light through the bottom of the transparent platen towards a topof the transparent platen and wherein the illumination indicates both awidth and a length of the determined scan area.